Travelling with Pets: 2026 Guide, Documents & Flying Tips

Leaving your pet at home while you go on a trip never feels right. Maybe you are moving to a new city, going on a long family holiday, or shifting abroad. Whatever the reason, you want your furry friend with you.

The good news is that travelling with pets by air is possible in India, but not on every airline. Air India and Akasa Air accept dogs and cats, SpiceJet carries them only as cargo, and IndiGo does not allow pets at all. Rules also change from airline to airline, and one small mistake, like a missing certificate, can stop you at the airport.

This guide explains everything in plain words: which airlines allow pets, what documents you need, how much it costs, and how to keep your pet calm and safe. Read it once, and you should have no doubts left.

Table of Contents

1. Are Pets Allowed in Flights?
2. Are Dogs Allowed in Flight?
3. Can We Take Dogs in Flight? Cabin vs Cargo
4. How to Take Pets in Flight: Step-by-Step
5. Documents You Need
6. Flight Charges for Pets in India
7. Flying with a Dog: Practical Tips
8. Travelling with Cats: What Is Different
9. Flying with Pets: Mistakes to Avoid
10. Pet Travel Checklist
11. FAQs

Are Pets Allowed in Flights?

Short answer: yes, but with conditions.

If you are asking are pets allowed in flights in India, the answer depends on the airline. Air India and Akasa Air allow dogs and cats on domestic flights, both in the cabin and in the hold. SpiceJet carries pets only as cargo. IndiGo does not allow pets on its flights, except guide dogs for blind passengers. Pets can travel in two ways:

• In the cabin: Your pet sits in a small carrier under the seat in front of you. Air India and Akasa Air allow this for pets up to 10 kg including the carrier.
• In the hold (as checked baggage or cargo): Larger pets travel in the aircraft hold in a strong crate.

Before you book anything, remember these basic points:

• Every airline sets its own limits on weight, container size and booking time.
• Cabin space for pets is very limited. Air India and Akasa Air each allow only two pets per flight in the cabin.
• Air India asks you to book your pet at least 48 hours before departure, and Akasa Air at least 24 hours before.
• Age limits: Air India takes pets in the cabin from 8 weeks. Akasa Air takes pets that are 3 months or older. For the hold, check the minimum age with the airline.
• Air India does not accept pregnant pets.
• Rules for international flights are stricter. For example, Air India does not allow pets in the cabin on flights to the USA, Canada, Australia and the UK.

Always read the airline's latest pet policy on its website and confirm by phone, because rules change often. Not sure which airline to choose? You can also look at the best airlines to fly with pets before you book your ticket.

Are Dogs Allowed in Flight?

This is one of the most common worries for dog parents. So, are dogs allowed in flight? Yes, on some airlines. Air India and Akasa Air allow dogs on domestic flights, SpiceJet takes them only as cargo, and IndiGo does not allow them.

Small dogs weighing up to 10 kg, including the carrier, can travel in the cabin on Air India and Akasa Air. Heavier dogs travel in the hold. On both airlines, pets up to 32 kg can go as checked baggage. Akasa Air also takes pets up to 100 kg through its cargo terminal, while Air India sends pets above 32 kg as cargo.

A few important things to know:

• Flat-faced (snub-nosed) breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs can have breathing problems in flight. Air India does not carry these breeds in its cargo hold. If you take one in the cabin, Air India advises you to talk to your vet first.
• Guide dogs for blind passengers are exempt on IndiGo and SpiceJet.
• Emotional support animals are not allowed on Air India flights.

If your dog is a snub-nosed breed or a very large one, talk to your vet and the airline well before you plan the trip.

Can We Take Dogs in Flight? Cabin vs Cargo

Many people ask, can we take dogs in flight if they are big? On Air India and Akasa Air, yes, but in the hold, not the cabin. SpiceJet also carries dogs in its cargo hold on domestic flights, while IndiGo does not carry them at all.

Here is how the main domestic airlines handle pets, based on what they publish on their own websites:

Pets in the hold travel as checked baggage or cargo, which is usually more stressful for them than sitting under your seat. Speak to your vet before you decide, especially if your pet is old, nervous or a flat-faced breed.

Some pets are simply better off on the ground. If your dog is a flat-faced breed or your cat gets very anxious, a train journey can be calmer. Read these tips to travel by train with pets in India before you decide.

How to Take Pets in Flight: Step-by-Step

Wondering how to take pets in flight without any last-minute trouble? Follow these steps in order.

Step 1: Visit your vet well before travel. Get a full check-up and make sure all vaccinations, especially rabies, are up to date. You will need a health certificate and a rabies vaccination certificate, and airlines want these to be recent (see the documents section below).

Step 2: Check the airline's pet policy. Only Air India and Akasa Air carry pets in the cabin, SpiceJet carries pets only as cargo, and IndiGo does not carry pets. Confirm the weight limit, container size and fees with your airline.

Step 3: Book your pet's space. Pets are not added automatically with your ticket. On Air India, you can book through customer support (you upload your documents online) or at the airport and city reservation counters.Air India asks for at least 48 hours’ notice, and Akasa Air for at least 24 hours’. On Akasa Air, you can call the Akasa Air Care Centre or write mail. Both ask for at least 48 hours' notice.

Step 4: Buy the right carrier or crate. For the cabin on Air India, you need a soft, leak-proof kennel of 17 x 10 x 9 inches, ventilated on three sides and without wheels. For the hold, you need a strong crate that meets IATA standards and is big enough for your pet to stand, sit, turn around and lie down.

Step 5: Get your documents ready. Health and rabies vaccination certificates, plus the airline's indemnity form (Air India asks for it). See the next section for details.

Step 6: Train your pet to love the carrier. Keep it open at home for a few weeks. Put treats and a favourite blanket inside so it feels like a safe place.

Step 7: Reach the airport early. Air India asks passengers travelling with pets to report at least 3 hours before departure. Pet check-in takes extra time, so check your airline's requirement.

Step 8: Walk your pet before you leave. A short walk before leaving home helps. Ask your vet how much to feed before the flight. Do not sedate your pet on your own, because Air India says sedated pets are not recommended for acceptance.

Documents You Need for Pet Travel

Paperwork is where most people get stuck, so keep a printed folder and also a phone copy.

For domestic flights in India, you will usually need:

• Health certificate and rabies vaccination certificate from a registered vet, signed and stamped. Air India wants it to be not older than 7 days before departure. Akasa Air asks for it to be obtained within 72 hours of travel, and once issued, it stays valid for 15 days.
• Originals and photocopies of all documents at check-in (Air India).
• Indemnity form (Air India). Carry two copies for a direct flight, and four copies for a connecting flight.
• Your pet's booking confirmation from the airline.

For international travel, the list is longer:

• Veterinary health certificate (fit to fly) from a local registered vet
• Microchip certificate and vaccination details of the pet
• Copy of the owner's passport and air ticket (and the airway bill if the pet goes as cargo)
• Anything the destination country asks for, such as an import permit or a blood titre test

You must take these documents, along with your pet, to the Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) office to get the export certificate (NOC). Check the exact timeline, validity and document list on the AQCS website (aqcsindia.gov.in) before you apply, because they can change. Each country has its own rules, so also check the destination's official website and the IATA Travel Centre.

Flight Charges for Pets in India

Now the question everyone asks: what does it cost? The flight charges for pets in India depend on the airline, the route, the weight of your pet and whether it travels in cabin or cargo.

Here is what Air India publishes for pets on domestic and international flights (taxes are extra):

• Cabin, domestic (up to 10 kg): INR 7,500 per sector
• Checked baggage, domestic (above 10 kg, below 32 kg): INR 16,000
• International: USD 140 to USD 225 in the cabin, depending on the destination, and USD 350 as checked baggage

What can add to your total cost:

• Airline-approved carrier or crate
• Vet check-up, health certificate and vaccines
• A pet relocation agent, if you want help with an international move (optional)
• Cargo charges if your pet weighs more than 32 kg on Air India
• Taxes on top of the published pet charges

Tip: Ask the airline for the full cost in writing. Akasa Air does not list its pet charges on its pet page, and SpiceJet's cargo team gives its charges on request, so ask them directly before you book.

Planning an international trip too? This guide on the rules and charges while flying with pets on a plane shows how some airlines abroad charge for pets.

Flying with a Dog: Practical Tips

So you have booked the ticket. Here is how to make flying with a dog smooth for both of you.

• Do a trial run. Take short car rides with your dog inside the carrier so the box does not feel strange on travel day.
• Do not sedate your dog on your own. Air India says sedated or tranquillised pets are not recommended for acceptance, as it can be dangerous at altitude.
• Label everything. Air India asks for the pet's name on the carrier, and your name, address and 24-hour phone numbers on the container.
• Carry the basics. A leash, absorbent mats (Air India asks you to keep one under the pet), waste bags and a familiar toy. Do not keep food inside the carrier.
• Check the crate for the hold. It should let you give food and water from outside, as Air India's container rules require.
• Choose your flight wisely. Air India carries pets on connecting trips only if both flights are Air India flights, so a direct flight is the simplest option.
• Be calm yourself. Dogs sense your mood. If you are anxious, they will be too.

After landing, take your dog out for a toilet break and water as soon as possible, and let it settle before sightseeing.

Travelling with Cats: What Is Different

Travelling with cats needs a slightly different approach, because cats love routine and hate sudden change.

• Use the carrier your airline allows. On Air India, a cabin carrier must be a soft, leak-proof kennel of 17 x 10 x 9 inches.
• Make the carrier a home first. Leave it open in the living room for weeks with a soft blanket and treats inside.
• Ask your vet about calming aids. Do not give any medicine or sedative on your own.
• Be ready at security. Staff may ask you to take your cat out of the carrier for screening. Use a harness and hold your cat firmly, because a frightened cat can slip away in seconds.
• Do not forget the litter. Carry a small travel litter tray and a few litter bags for the destination.
• Cats usually fly in the cabin if they weigh 10 kg or less with the carrier, which is good, since you can keep an eye on them.

Cats are good at hiding stress, so watch for signs like heavy breathing, drooling or not eating after the flight.

Flying with Pets: Mistakes to Avoid

Most problems during flying with pets come from small things that were missed. Avoid these common mistakes:

1. Booking too late. Air India needs at least 48 hours’ notice and Akasa Air at least 24 hours’, and cabin spots are very limited.
2. Wrong carrier size. If it does not meet the airline's size rules, the airline can refuse carriage.
3. Expired or missing documents. Air India wants a health certificate that is not older than 7 days. Always double-check dates.
4. Sedating your pet. Air India says sedated pets are not recommended for acceptance.
5. Skipping the vet visit. Air India can refuse pets with incomplete vaccinations, missing papers or aggressive behaviour.
6. Not checking breed rules. Air India does not carry snub-nosed breeds in its cargo hold.
7. Not carrying spare copies. Keep originals and photocopies, and also digital copies, of all papers.

Pet Travel Checklist

Use this quick list before you leave home:

• Airline confirmation for your pet
• Health and rabies vaccination certificates (originals and photocopies)
• Indemnity form, if your airline asks for it
• Carrier or crate that meets the airline's size rules, with your contact details
• Leash, collar and ID tag
• Absorbent mat, waste bags or litter
• Favourite toy or blanket
• Vet's phone number
• A recent photo of your pet (useful if it gets lost)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are pets allowed in flights in India?

Yes, on some airlines. Air India and Akasa Air allow dogs and cats on domestic flights, in the cabin and in the hold. SpiceJet carries pets only as cargo. IndiGo does not allow pets.

2. Are dogs allowed in flight cabins?

Yes, on Air India and Akasa Air, if your dog is within the 10 kg cabin limit (on Air India, pet and carrier together). Heavier dogs travel in the hold.

3. Can we take dogs in flight without a health certificate?

No. Air India, Akasa Air and SpiceJet all ask for a vet health certificate and a vaccination record. Air India wants the certificate to be not older than 7 days. Akasa Air wants it to be obtained within 72 hours of travel, and it stays valid for 15 days. For SpiceJet, confirm the exact certificate requirement with its cargo team

4. How early should I book for my pet?

At least 48 hours before departure on Air India and at least 24 hours before departure on Akasa Air. Book earlier if you can, because cabin spots are limited. For international travel, start early, as AQCS needs your documents. Check the AQCS website for the timeline

5. Is it safe to send a pet in cargo?

Air India, Akasa Air and SpiceJet all carry pets in the hold, and Air India requires a hard crate that meets IATA standards. Your pet will be away from you during the flight, so talk to your vet first, especially for old or nervous pets and snub-nosed breeds. Air India does not carry snub-nosed breeds in the hold, so check the rules of other airlines before booking.

6. Can I travel with more than one pet?

On Air India, only one pet per passenger is allowed in the cabin, and only two pets are allowed in the cabin per flight, so book early. Akasa Air also allows two pets in the cabin per flight. Check the airline’s rules before booking.

7. Can I take my pet out of the carrier during the flight?

No. Air India says your pet must stay inside the container, under the seat in front of you, at all times. Akasa Air also asks that your pet stays in a closed, zipped container at the airport and for the entire flight.

8. Can I book my pet’s ticket online?

On Air India, you can book through customer support (you upload your documents online) or at the airport and city reservation counters. On Akasa Air, call the Akasa Air Care Centre or write mail. For SpiceJet, contact its cargo team through mail. Check the airline’s page for the latest booking options.

9. Can I carry a pet if I am travelling with a baby or need wheelchair assistance?

Air India does not recommend a pet in the cabin in these cases, for safety reasons. Your pet can travel in the cargo hold instead. Also, unaccompanied minors cannot travel with a pet on Air India.

10. Where will I sit if my pet is in the cabin?

On Air India:

• Pets in the cabin are allowed only in Economy class.
• You are seated in an aisle seat in the last rows of Economy.
• Your pet cannot take a seat, even if the next seat is empty.
• Emergency exit rows are not given to passengers with pets.

11. Do passengers with pets get any extra benefits?

Yes. Air India gives priority check-in and boarding. Akasa Air gives a pre-booked window seat, priority check-in and baggage, and first boarding.

12. Can puppies and kittens fly?

Yes, if they meet the age limit. Air India takes pets in the cabin from 8 weeks old. Akasa Air takes pets that are at least 3 months old. For the hold on Air India and for SpiceJet, check the minimum age with the airline. Vaccination records are required, so ask your vet if your puppy or kitten is ready.

13. Should I give my pet a sedative before the flight?

No, not on your own. Air India says sedated or tranquillised pets are not recommended for acceptance, because pressure changes in flight can be dangerous for them. If your pet gets very anxious, talk to your vet.

14. Can my pet travel on a connecting flight?

On Air India, yes, but only if both flights are Air India flights. Air India does not accept pets from other airlines, and if you connect to another airline, you must follow that airline’s pet rules. The pet charge is applied for each sector, and you need four copies of the indemnity form for a connecting flight.

15. What if the airline refuses my pet?

Air India can refuse a pet in these cases:

• Incomplete vaccinations or papers
• An unsuitable container
• Aggressive behaviour, such as biting or excessive barking and chewing

Its pet service fee is non-refundable and non-transferable, except when the pet cannot travel in the cabin because of the airline’s own conditions.

16. Can I take my pet on an international flight from India?

It depends on the airline and the country.

• Air India: No pets in the cabin or as checked baggage to or from the USA, Canada and Australia. Pets go to or from the UK only as cargo. Pets are not permitted on flights from India to the UAE.
• SpiceJet: No pets on international routes.
• IndiGo: No pets at all.

You also need an AQCS export certificate and must follow the destination country’s import rules.

Final Thoughts

Travelling with pets takes planning, patience and a bit of paperwork, but it is absolutely doable. Start early, talk to your vet, understand your airline's rules, and train your pet to feel safe in its carrier. When you do it right, the trip can be smooth for both of you, and you will not have to worry about leaving your best friend behind.

Note: Pet policies and charges were checked on the official websites of the airlines and AQCS on 16 October 2026. They change from time to time, so always confirm with the airline before you book.